The use of "and" and "or"

Status
Not open for further replies.

Rachel Adams

Key Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2018
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Georgia
Current Location
Georgia
Can I use "and" instead of "or" would the meaning be the same?

1."I like fast food, but it's not healthy. I don't like its smell or taste."
(I mean, at least here, it's spicy and with lots of different seasonings.)

I had a similar sentence. 2. "I don't like the sight of them and/or their sounds." Can I use either "and" or "or" is the meaning the same?
 
Can I use "and" instead of "or"? Would the meaning be the same?

1. space here "I like fast food, but it's not healthy. I don't like its smell or taste."
(I mean, at least here, it's spicy and with lots of different seasonings.)

[STRIKE]I had[/STRIKE] Here is a similar sentence.

2. "I don't like the sight of them and/or their sounds."

Can I use either "and" or "or"? Is the meaning the same?

In 1, I'd use "or". Saying "smell and taste" makes it sound as if those two things come as a pair.
In 2, I'd use "or". I can't quite put my finger on why, other than the fact that "and" sounds unnatural. You've used a slightly strange word order, though. I'd say "I don't like the sight or sound of them".
 
Maybe this will help.

You can't drink or drive if you're underage, but you can't drink and drive even if you're an adult.
 
In 1, I'd use "or". Saying "smell and taste" makes it sound as if those two things come as a pair.
In 2, I'd use "or". I can't quite put my finger on why, other than the fact that "and" sounds unnatural. You've used a slightly strange word order, though. I'd say "I don't like the sight or sound of them".

When talking about things that come as pair "and" is correct but "or" isn't used in this meaning. Right?
But isnt it possible to consider "the sight and smell" as pair as well? I don't like the sight or sound of them".
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top